“What do you think it is?”

You and Burt stare at the crystallized crimson object, observing it from every angle. The Shuffle’s grand prize lies upon its black velvet pillow on a table in Quatal’s home. Without Quatal, the place seems lifeless, and even more so with the ominous object at the center of the room. You had lit some candles inside the house, but once the chest had been opened to display the crystal, it felt as though all the warmth and light had been sucked from the room.

“Welcome back to The Shuffle! I hope you all placed your bets for this final series!”

Dela shouts as the crowd roars. The sun creeps past the top of the stands, projecting a shadow over half of the arena dome. With the night on its way, lanterns are being lit, and a large magical globe of light is hung over the table where the two competitors will battle for the championship.